{"id":72892,"date":"2021-06-28T11:15:19","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T15:15:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/netmind.bts.com\/en\/?p=72892"},"modified":"2025-02-24T17:26:54","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T16:26:54","slug":"scrum-framework-fundamentals-what-is-a-sprint-infographic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/netmind.net\/en\/knowledge-center\/scrum-framework-fundamentals-what-is-a-sprint-infographic\/","title":{"rendered":"Scrum Fundamentals Infographic: What is a Sprint?"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article is part of a series on Scrum fundamentals, complete with infographics! Check out the rest of the series: What is Scrum Planning?<\/a>, What is the Daily Scrum?<\/a>, What is a Sprint Review?<\/a>, and What is a Sprint Retrospective?<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Agile has a problem with names.\u00a0“Agility” is often interpreted as “speed\u201d; however, the better, more accurate meaning is \u201cflexibility\u201d<\/strong>. Think about it, what is more agile, a scooter or train going full speed?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the case of Scrum<\/a>, some interpret \u201cSprint\u201d as a crazy, high-speed race. In reality though, it refers to moving around a track at a pace that is fast enough to not to be left behind, but sustainable enough to be able to finish the race and then, yes, to sprint.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Scrum is a\u00a0framework, not a methodology, that continues to evolve. Over the years, the framework has been updated to incorporate learning from different sources, and especially from the experience of the teams that have applied it. One element that has not changed, though, is the use of the Sprint.\u00a0Sprint<\/em> (also known as iteration<\/em>) has been part of Scrum since its inception and has never been questioned for good reason: it is the connecting element of everything else.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What is a Sprint?\u00a0<\/h2>\n

The\u00a02020 Scrum Guide<\/a>\u00a0(which gets shorter with each edition) says: “Sprints are the heartbeat of Scrum, where ideas become value.”\u00a0So, without Sprints, Scrum doesn’t work.\u00a0Its importance is clear, but what exactly are we talking about?\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sprints are\u00a0“fixed length events”<\/strong>\u00a0limited to one month, although it is customary to set the sprint at 2 or 3 weeks.\u00a0The purpose of these fixed-duration cycles or iterations is to “create consistency.”\u00a0Scrum is a way of working that puts the spotlight on the importance of\u00a0value creation<\/strong>.\u00a0For this reason, it minimizes uncertainty with a series of fixed and established meetings or events that occur at predictable times and whose mechanics are known.\u00a0Some might complain that Scrum “has a lot of meetings.”\u00a0However, I believe that the alternative (meeting on demand, without knowing in advance when and with changing agendas) is infinitely worse. For more on this rebuttal, see How to Take Advantage of the Daily Standup and Avoid the 7 Deadly Sins<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Sprint creates consistency and reduces uncertainty to give prominence to what is important: creating value.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"
Scrum Fundamentals Infographic: What is a Sprint?\u00a0|\u00a0Illustration by Patricia Parreira<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What happens in a Sprint?\u00a0<\/h2>\n

All the iteration work aimed at delivering value is done during the Sprint.\u00a0To ensure alignment, and a sustainable pace, there are a series of meetings that mark the beginning and end of work and the crucial synchronization of the team:\u00a0Planning<\/a><\/strong>, Daily Meeting<\/a><\/strong>, Review<\/a><\/strong>, and Retrospective<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0(and any other that a team considers necessary for its proper functioning).\u00a0In all, and in the worst case, according to the Scrum Guide, almost 90% of the sprint time is available to do the actual work.\u00a0The rest is dedicated to planning, detecting impediments, contrasting results, improving the way of working, aligning the team and the expectations of the stakeholders, etc.<\/p>\n

Each of Scrum\u2019s \u201cresponsibilities\u201d has a relevant role during the Sprint:<\/p>\n